ISBN

The novel is set approximately 300 years after a nuclear cataclysm rendered the Earth uninhabitable. Humanity, however, has survived for generations on three large spaceships: Phoenix, Walden, and Arcadia.

With life support on the ships dwindling, 100 prisoners under the age of 18 are sent down to Earth to find out if it has become survivable.

Contents

Summary

"No one has set foot on Earth in centuries — until now."

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.

Clarke was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. Wells, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless Bellamy fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And Glass managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.

Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope.

Plot

Clarke Griffin is a seventeen-year-old ex-medical apprentice from the ship Phoenix. She was arrested for treason and continues to be haunted by her actions. We learn through a flashback, a frequent media throughout the book, that Clarke's parents, two of the most brilliant scientists on the ships, violated the Gaia Doctrine by experimenting radiation exposure on children while under order of Vice Chancellor Rhodes. Rhodes threatened to have Clarke killed if they didn't obey. Once Clarke finds out, she befriends one girl in the ward who weakens as the radiation exposure increases. Weeks later, Clarke finally gives in Lilly's demand to help her die. This haunts Clarke throughout the entire first novel. She blames Wells Jaha for the death of her parents, as not hours after she confided her secret about the experimentation of radiation exposure on children, Wells rushed to his father, the current Chancellor, to tell him the news. As Chancellor Jaha was unaware and the Vice Chancellor Rhodes denied any implication in the matter, both of Clarke's parents were executed. As the security system showed that she had access to the lab, Clarke was also voted guilty by the council and sent to Confinement.

Wells Jaha's mother died of an unknown illness months before the 100 mission, a time during which he falls in love with Clarke. Once he hears about the plan to send 100 juvenile delinquents, including his girlfriend Clarke, he sets the Eden Tree, the only sapling saved from the planet prior to the Exodus, on fire to be sent to Earth with her. He is the only one who is truly aware of the problems with the resources on the Colony.

Bellamy Blake's mother gave birth to her second child when he was six years old. His mother became paranoid as Octavia Blake grew bigger as having a second child was forbidden and would lead to her own execution. When Octavia was found, both she and Bellamy were sent to the Care Center for orphans. Octavia is arrested for stealing pills to help her sleep although her brother believes it was for stealing food for smaller children. After hearing that the 100, including his sister, would be sent to Earth, Bellamy fights his way onto the launch ship accidentally shooting Chancellor Jaha in the process. On earth, Octavia steals the medicine box that Clarke needs to save Thalia, dying of blood poisoning from a wound . Once she confesses her crime, Graham wishes for her to be executed but Wells convinces the others to banish Octavia and Bellamy. However, before they can be actually banished, the encampment goes up in flames.

Glass Sorenson is a seventeen-year-old Phoenician resident, best friend of Wells Jaha. She fell in love with a Waldenite, Luke. Given that Walden is the poorest station on the Colony, their love was forbidden. Through various flashback, we find out the reason behind her arrest: an unwarranted pregnancy. She loses the baby during her arrest. While in jail, Luke had no idea she was interned. During the commotion created by Bellamy's attempt to get on the launch ship, Glass succeeds in escaping. She returns to Luke and later to her mother. Due to her mother convincing Vice Chancellor Rhodes, Glass is pardoned for her crimes but soon comes to realize the dire situation the Colony actually is in. The first book ends with Glass' fate unclear as Walden is suddenly shut off from Phoenix due to a lack of oxygen with Glass inside.

The book ends with a fire ravaging the Delinquents' camp. Thalia dies in the flame. Bellamy realizes that Octavia has gone missing right before the fire occurred. Clarke and Bellamy set out to find her. In the camp, Asher is suddenly hit by an arrow. The 100 realize they are not alone.

Editions

The novel has been published in multiple editions in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook form. The English audiobook is narrated by Phoebe Strole.